Tata Punch CNG launch imminent, production begins

The Tata Punch CNG will soon go on sale soon as sources tell us that its series production has begun. The Punch will be Tata Motors’ fourth product to get a CNG variant after the Tiago, Tigor and Altroz, and like the Altroz CNG, the micro SUV will also get the carmaker's unique dual-cylinder setup that doesn’t eat into boot space.

• Tata Punch will churn out 77hp with CNG
• Will be sold in multiple trims
• Gets a unique dual-cylinder set-up

Tata Punch CNG powertrain details

The Punch CNG, which will rival the Exter CNG, will carry forward the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that sees duty in the petrol-powered Punch. It will come paired solely to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This engine produces 86hp and 113Nm of torque with petrol, and with CNG, it churns out 77hp and 97Nm of peak torque. Like the CNG variants of Tiago, Tigor and Altroz, the Punch can also be started directly in CNG mode, a feature not offered by any of its rivals. 

Additionally, like in the new Altroz CNG, Tata has managed to tackle the issue of low boot space in the Punch CNG with its new dual-cylinder set-up, splitting the otherwise large 60-litre tank that would take up nearly all boot space. The new twin cylinders, each 30 litres in capacity, have been positioned under the boot floor to free up storage space.

Tata Punch CNG exterior and interior

The Punch CNG will see no exterior design changes, apart from the addition of the ‘i-CNG’ badge on the tailgate, like on the other CNG models in Tata Motors’ line-up. Likewise, there aren’t any notable changes expected to the interior of the Punch CNG either.

As we have now come to expect from the company, the CNG kit will be offered across the line-up. That means Punch CNG's top-spec models will be well-equipped with features such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen and digital driver's display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels, an engine start/stop button, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, and perhaps, even a sunroof as was showcased at Auto Expo 2023. This feature is currently not available with the regular petrol-powered Punch. 

The Punch CNG will be priced at a slight premium over the petrol model and will rival the Hyundai Exter, which is the only other model in this segment with a factory-fitted CNG kit.